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We are pleased to announce the release of ThumbBot. An interactive Bot available on Facebook Messenger. ThumbBot will offer Facebook and Mobile users the ability to search and find information about Michigan’s Upper Thumb using natural language and artificial intelligence capabilities.

This version of ThumbBot offers basic information but will be continually enhanced has people interact with it and new functionality is developed. For example, it offers information on a few of the Thumb’s beautiful beaches. In the next release we are working to offer you information and directions on finding the beach closest to you.

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Huron County industrial wind farms continue to have the most number of incidents than any other county in Michigan.

2017 data obtained from Caithness Windfarm Information Forum, a global incident collection group in the UK showed that since 1990, Huron County continues to lead Michigan in terms of wind farm accidents and incidents. The first mishap recorded in the county was in 2010.

Blade failure was the number one incident statewide with Human Health coming in second due to lawsuits for health issues. Most of the legal health issues occurred in Mason County on Michigan’s west coast against Lake Winds Energy Park near Ludington.

In December 2016 Michigan had its second reported fire at Stoney Corners Wind Farm totally destroying a wind turbine. It was the second fire incident at the industrial wind park since 2011. Fire is the second most common wind farm incident globally.

Blade Failure – By far the biggest number of incidents found was due to blade failure. “Blade failure” can arise from a number of possible sources, and results in either whole blades or pieces of blade being thrown from the turbine.

Human Heath – Incidents include reports of ill-heath and effects due to turbine noise, shadow flicker, etc. Such reports are predicted to increase significantly as turbines are increasingly approved and built in unsuitable locations, close to people’s homes.

Miscellaneous – Component or mechanical failure has been reported here if there has been no consequential structural damage. Also included are lack of maintenance, electrical failure (not led to fire or electrocution) etc. Construction and construction support accidents are also included, also lightning strikes when a strike has not resulted in blade damage or fire.

Environmental – Includes oil spills and wildlife death due to turbine placement

Structural/Mechanical failure – “Structural failure” is assumed to be major component failure under conditions which components should be designed to withstand. This mainly concerns storm damage to turbines and tower collapse. However, poor quality control, lack of maintenance and component failure can also be responsible.

Transport – Most accidents involve turbine sections falling from transporters, though turbine sections have also been lost at sea. Transport is the single biggest cause of public fatalities.

Fire – Fire is the second most common accident cause in incidents found. Fire can arise from a number of sources – and some turbine types seem more prone to fire than others.

Ice Throw – These are listed here unless they have caused human injury, in which case they are included under “human injury”

Human Injury – Involved wind industry or construction/maintenance workers, and involved members of the public or workers not directly dependent on the wind industry (e.g. fire fighters, transport workers)